The Dalai Lama, speaking at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, May 2010

On May 14th, I attended an event here in Indianapolis featuring a 75-year-old Tibetan watch repairman named Tenzin Gyatso. He is better known as the 14th Dalai Lama, the Buddhist spiritual leader of Tibet, who lives in exile in India. This was his second visit to Indianapolis; and, having just taught on Buddhism at Heather Hills, I decided to see first-hand what the Dalai Lama was all about. There has always been a curious side of me in relation to people of fame, whether in religion, politics, sports, or entertainment. I want to see beyond the mask. This doesn’t always work out so well. For example, I remember when I was a pastoral intern in 1992, I went to a faith healing service with famed religious leader Ernest Angley. I made two mistakes: I took a video camera with me and…my mom. Continue reading →

Well, it’s been nearly 2 years since I became the senior pastor at Heather Hills Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. For most of that time, I have chosen not to blog regularly. Frankly, I needed a break from blogging. I got into blogging when it was “trendy” a few years back and really enjoyed the opportunity to interact with people I had never met from all over the country on a wide variety of subjects.

Tonight, May 7th, and tomorrow, May 8th, as well as Wednesday, May 27th, if you are wheelwatching, you could be mccroriewatching too!

Deborah and I had the opportunity to sit in on the taping of three shows of the Wheel of Fortune during our trip to California in early March. You will see us on any camera cutaways to the audience, about 3 rows up, right in the middle.

The experience was a lot of fun, seeing Pat and Vanna in action and being on the Hollywood set. I was able to talk a little bit with the show’s announcer too, Charlie O’Donnell, who has quite a showbiz story himself. The stage itself (Stage 11) is pretty small, but they really know how to use space (and camera angles!). And although America may see a glitsy gameshow, it’s pretty obvious that the workers are just doing their 9-5 job, even Pat and Vanna! All that glitters is definitely not gold–maybe gold paint! Anyway, we enjoyed ourselves. I almost got into big trouble on the first puzzle when I realized the answer before the contestants and started to blurt it out loud–just like I do at home! Deborah covered my mouth and saved us from getting kicked out!

If you’re ever in the L.A. area, you should check it out. Lots of fun and about 4 hours of time. Get your tickets early; they sell out, even though the tickets are free! Jeopardy is right there too on the set right next door to Wheel. We’ll try that next time…

After 4 months of searching and investigating over 50 resumes, I am excited to announce that Heather Hills is candidating a man for our new position of Associate Pastor of Spiritual Development! It has been a rich process thus far and we have been able to interact with many godly men around the country who are seeking the Lord’s will. However, in the end, one of our applicants has risen to the top of the list and has been unanimously recommended to our congregation by both the search committee and leadership team. Continue reading →

Once again, this final “official” day of the Shepherd’s Conference was a bright, sunny, and beautiful California day. The first session of the day was begun with Grace’s Sunday night worship team, which is the more contemporary styled service. They led a really wonderful medley of songs all pointing to the holiness of God: God of Wonders, Indescribable, Be Unto Your Name, Holy Holy Holy, and Refiner’s Fire. John MacArthur followed this with some biblical reflection on God’s holiness in regard to evangelism. One particular quote I wrote down was “You have an ally in the heart of every unregenerate man, that is the law of God written on the hearts of men.” (Romans 1) He then encouraged us to use the law in our soul-winning to show man his need of a Savior in relation to God’s supreme holiness. Phil Johnson, director of Grace to You, then preached from Titus 2:7-8 on “Sound Words.” Here are my notes: Continue reading →